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Estate Planning Authority Joins First Western Trust’s Wealth Planning Group

October 26, 2011

Veteran Denver Attorney Bill Schmidt Appointed Senior Trust Officer

DENVER—October 26, 2011—As part of its ongoing commitment to providing unparalleled fiduciary services to its clients, First Western Trust Bank (“First Western”) today announced the appointment of estate planning attorney, published author, and lecturer Bill Schmidt as Senior Trust Officer and Family Wealth Advisor. With the addition of Schmidt, First Western broadens the estate planning expertise provided by its Wealth Planning team and further expands the tax counsel and generational wealth planning guidance it offers to high-net-worth clients.

One of the most well-known and well-respected estate planning attorneys in the Western U.S., Schmidt brings more than 40 years of experience in advising clients in the areas of trust law, estate planning and administration, and charitable giving strategies. A frequent lecturer and speaker, Schmidt is a nationally recognized expert on the technical aspects of wealth preservation and transfer, business succession planning, and philanthropic donations. He has authored four books on the topics of estate planning, probate, charitable trusts, and revocable living trusts.

“Bill’s expertise and reputation are truly unmatched throughout the West, and we are pleased to offer his decades of estate planning knowledge to First Western’s trust clients,” said Montgomery-Fitzsimmons, CFP®, Director of Wealth Planning.

“As a respected expert in estate planning law, a published author, and a sought-after industry speaker, Bill brings extensive hands-on experience and years of estate planning counsel to generations of families in this region.”

Prior to joining First Western, Schmidt practiced trust and estate law at the Denver office of Holland & Hart LLP. He also served in the United States Air Force, retiring as Captain, and was a Staff Judge Advocate for the Colorado Air National Guard.

“My experience and training are in the field of law, but above all, I take pride in serving as a family counselor to my clients,” said Schmidt. “Planning your estate can be an intimidating process, but I enjoy educating families on their options so they have peace of mind about providing for their heirs and leaving a charitable legacy through a well-constructed plan. At this phase in my career, it’s a compelling opportunity to share my expertise with First Western’s clients and one that I look forward to.”

Schmidt is active in many civic and industry organizations and has been honored with prominent awards for his years of service. Some of his professional and non-profit activities and recognition include:

Fellow and past Colorado state chair of the prestigious American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, a pre-eminent industry organization with members who are in the top 10% of estate planning and probate lawyers in the nation

Founder and past president of the Rocky Mountain Estate Planning Council

Member of the Professional Advisory Group and recipient of the Philanthropic Leadership Award, The Denver Foundation

Chair, Board of Trustees and recipient of the Community Leadership Award, Bonfils Blood Center

Listed in “The Best Lawyers in America”

Schmidt received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado and a juris doctorate from the University of Michigan Law School. He is a member of the Denver Bar, Colorado Bar, and American Bar Associations.

About First Western Financial, Inc. First Western Financial, Inc. is the holding company of First Western Trust Bank and First Western Capital Management. First Western Trust Bank strives to be the best private bank for the Western wealth management client by providing comprehensive, tailored solutions in the areas of wealth planning, private banking, investment management, and personal trust. First Western also offers expertise in retirement services, mortgages, insurance, and business banking. First Western’s services are integrated through WealthView 360ºTM, a proprietary approach that focuses on a client’s entire financial picture. Built specifically for clients based in the West, the firm has offices in Arizona, California, and Colorado.